Patrol Manager

Full-time, year-round benefited position.

Pay

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year, adjusted based on experience.

Benefits

• Optional company-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account and health savings account
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 5%
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off, holiday, and sick pay
• Free season pass for employee and dependents
• Privileges at several other resorts
• Discounts on food & beverage, retail/rental, friends & family tickets, and more

About the role

Direct and manage the Ski & Bike Patrol Department, including rescue, first aid, lift evacuation, trail maintenance, hazard mitigation, trail evaluation for opening/closing, wayfinding and informational signage, and public safety. Oversee department performance, staffing, training, budgeting, scheduling, employee safety, culture, interdepartmental relations, and guest service. Ensure the resort is maintained in a safe, well-organized, efficient, and enjoyable environment.

The Ski & Bike Patrol Manager executes safety initiatives, oversees medical aid, leads snow safety work, rope rescue, lift evacuation, and incident investigation. Reports to the Mountain Experience Manager and collaborates with the Mountain Operations team to execute daily operations, common goals, planning, and future initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a high-performing team through effective onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, succession planning, leadership development, and employee accountability
• Manage a team of 60+ winter patrol staff and 20+ summer bike patrol staff
• Create and foster a positive work culture among staff
• Manage year-round mountain safety and operational readiness through trail and terrain evaluations, inspection of grooming, snowmaking, and trail maintenance activities, oversight of snow safety programs, snowpack assessment, hazard mitigation, and implementation of applicable safety protocols
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve patrol procedures, operational plans, policies, and training programs to ensure staff readiness, operational consistency, regulatory compliance, and delivery of high-quality emergency response services
• Implement comprehensive training programs for patrol staff, built around the National Ski Patrol’s ‘Outdoor Emergency Care’ and ‘Outdoor Emergency Travel’ standards, including on-mountain risk management, ski lift evacuation, high-angle rescue, communications, documentation, professional skills development, and quality control measures
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety policies, including KPSRP’s operational guidelines, VOSHA standards, and the Vermont Skier Safety Act
• Perform risk management and liability awareness tasks, including review of accident reports, hill logs, and dispatch records; visit accident scenes, oversee investigations, gather evidence, prepare documentation, and provide testimony in litigation
• Create and manage budgets, track expenditures, forecast costs, and report on the financial performance of the department in conjunction with the Mountain Operations Financial Analyst
• Maintain regular communication with the Mountain Experience Manager regarding department operations, staffing, personnel matters, employee development, safety and risk management concerns, financial performance, strategic initiatives, and emerging issues
• Oversee departmental administrative and operational support functions, including scheduling, payroll, purchasing, staff training, incident reporting, trail status communications, regulatory documentation, and timely completion of required reports and records
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Mountain Operations, other resort departments, external agencies, contractors, vendors, industry partners, regulators, and guests
• Ensure accurate trail status information is reflected in the Daily Operations Report and provide input for the daily snow plan
• Collaborate with national organizations such as the Professional Ski Patrol Association (PSPA) and the National Ski Patrol (NSP) to provide training and enrichment opportunities for staff
• Maintain a strong relationship with Southern Vermont Regional NSP and the Eastern Division NSP leadership
• Serve as the incident commander or designated operational leader during significant on-mountain emergencies, coordinating patrol resources and working with Mountain Operations leadership and external emergency agencies
• Participate in department, division, and company meetings, including quarterly CORE meetings
• Assist with prioritizing off-season repair and maintenance efforts and help set capital priorities for the Ski Patrol department
• Provide leadership in trauma exposure management and stress injury prevention
• Deliver superior service to internal and external customers, adhering to Resort Hospitality Standards
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid US Driver’s License meeting the minimum requirements of KPSRP’s insurance carrier
• Previous ski patrol experience, preferably in a managerial or supervisory role
• Current certification in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC)
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff
• Excellent reading, writing, analytical, and public speaking skills
• Excellent skiing or snowboarding ability
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office 365

Skills

• Broad technical knowledge in emergency medicine, first aid delivery, mountain rescue, lift evacuation, liability and risk management, or a combination of education and experience
• Intimate knowledge of the mountain, including trails/terrain, traffic flow patterns, communication systems, roads, snowmaking infrastructure, and potential hazards
• NSP Senior or NSP Certified level patroller
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and other company personnel
• Expert-level skiing or snowboarding skills
• Beginner-level downhill mountain biking with willingness to expand skills

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to reach, crouch, sit, kneel, stand, bend, and be on your feet in ski boots for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry people and objects weighing up to 150 lbs., and occasionally push or pull toboggans with injured skiers/snowboarders weighing up to 300 lbs.
• Ability to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces
• Ability to tolerate exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat, wet and/or humid conditions; ability to work at height
• Ability to handle high-stress situations and emotionally charged interactions; manage emergency situations and delegate tasks effectively
• Demonstrated ability to safely travel and work throughout the mountain environment using skis, snowboard, mountain bike, snowmobiles, UTVs, ATVs, and other appropriate equipment